Image source, .

England, who start three points behind tonight's hosts, must beat Greece to have a chance of winning the group heading into their final match. If they draw they cannot finish top as the tie-breaker if they end level on points would be the points won in the games between the two sides - and Greece won at Wembley.

If the Three Lions do beat Greece, the two sides would be level on 12 points ahead of the final round of fixtures.

England host Republic of Ireland on Sunday while Greece travel to Finland, who are bottom of the group with no points. Both of those games kick-off at 17:00 GMT.

If England finish second in the group, they go into a promotion play-off against one of the third-placed League A sides. Currently that would be Poland, Belgium, Hungary or Serbia.

How Nations League affects World Cup qualifying.

England

Well done Ollie Watkins. He knows the words to the national anthem.

Kostas Lianos
Greek journalist on BBC Radio 5 Live

I expect Greece to approach this game in the same way as they did at Wembley. I expect energy, tempo, tight lines, possession and transition. Anything less than this, no matter who England have missing, could spell trouble for Greece.

Blue and white all around the Olympic Stadium. It's a rowdy crowd. And here come the teams...

Izzy Christiansen
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think Harry Kane not starting has something to do with the pace of the two wide players that are starting, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke. Ollie Watkins can match them for speed. He was due a start for England and deserves to have a shot at it.

England fans have been taking in the ancient sights in Athens.

There is nothing ancient about England's team in the Greek capital.

Rico Lewis, 19, is making his fifth senior start for the Three Lions.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

England

England captain for the night Kyle Walker, speaking to ITV Sport: "You turn up and expect H [Harry Kane] to be playing but the manager has made a decision and we have to stick by that as a group of lads and come and get the result we need tonight.

"This is a game you want to be involved in. If we take points off of them we have a good chance of finishing top."

On Jude Bellingham: "Hopefully he can get some goals tonight, have a good performance as a team and take that into an important game on Sunday."

Meet Roy Keane's future son-in-law. Tough gig.

Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who starts on the bench, recently got engaged to former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain Keane's daughter Leah.

Read: Keane 'advice' for future son-in-law Harwood-Bellis.

England

England interim boss Lee Carsley, speaking to ITV Sport on leaving Harry Kane out of the first XI: "It was important to give Ollie Watkins an opportunity. To experience a night like this will be great for himself. This team needs to try and create leaders and one way to do that is give them opportunities."

On how Kane took the decision: "He is fine. He wants to play but his attitude has been fantastic. I think it is important to give players a chance and I am sure Ollie will do really well tonight."

On Curtis Jones: "He is an all round very good midfielder. You will probably see him playing a little deeper tonight than he does at Liverpool."

On what has to be better than last game against Greece: "You hope the performance will be better. We got into some good areas and good opportunities but were not able to have that last pass. It is important we match their fans for the tempo and energy.

"The goal is to win the World Cup and we've got players on the pitch tonight for who this will be a valuable experience for and hopefully help develop them.

Izzy Christiansen
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Harry Kane's performances were under scrutiny from fans throughout the Euros in the summer, and people were calling for something different. It should not be that big of a surprise, but it is because it's Harry Kane.

Jason Burt
Telegraph journalist on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast

Harry Kane has nailed it by saying England comes first. We're in the business of trying to win matches and win a trophy with the World Cup in 2026.

When you're talking about nine players pulling out of the squad - and several of those would have been certain starters - clearly some of those are genuine injuries and some need the break.

But nine just feels too many.

Alex Howell
BBC football news reporter in Athens

Each time Harry Kane speaks to the media, he's very careful how he gets his message across. He has put a marker down to his team-mates who are here - but more importantly to those players who aren't - to say: 'I'm still here. I don't think it's good enough the situation you have left us in'.

Image source, Getty Images

Harry Kane, who starts on the bench, has had his say about the number of players who have withdrawn from the latest England squad.

"I think England comes before anything. England comes before club," Kane, veteran of 101 caps, told ITV Sport.

"England is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer and Gareth [Southgate] was hot on that and he wasn't afraid to make decisions if, you know, that started to drift from certain players."

Asked if the desire to play for England has drifted this international break, Kane said: "Yeah, it's a shame this week obviously. I think it's a tough period of the season, maybe that's been taken advantage of a little bit.

"I don't really like it if I'm totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation."

England

England's warm-up has been interrupted by a pitch invader who wanted a selfie with Jude Bellingham.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Mark: There's always going to be withdrawals. Club bosses don't want to risk their players in pointless matches. No one really cares about the Nations League. I'm guessing that applies to the countries taking part as well.